Sgt. Russell’s father delivers heartfelt message of thanks to public

Amid dozens of bouquets, wreaths and condolence cards crowded into the small lobby of the Toronto Police Service’s 52 Division, Glenn Russell, the father of Sergeant Ryan Russell, delivered an emotional and heartfelt message of thanks and appreciation to the public for their support in the aftermath of his son’s untimely death.

“On behalf of Ryan’s mother Linda, his sister Tracy, and his wife Christine, we wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Toronto and surrounding area for your outpouring of kind wishes and condolences,” said Mr. Russell, who was joined by his wife and Sgt. Russell’s widow Friday morning at the downtown police station where his son worked.

“To those of you who braved the winter weather, standing for hours at the funeral home and along the streets as our motorcade passed by, we did see you through our tears. It was your good wishes that gave us strength to get through a most difficult time.”

Sgt. Russell was killed last week after attempting to stop the driver of a stolen snowplow. The 35-year-old officer was struck by the plow near Avenue and Davenport Roads, suffering fatal injuries. The alleged driver of the plow, Richard Kachkar, has been charged with first-degree murder and is appearing in court Friday.

Sgt. Russell’s funeral Tuesday saw more than 10,000 police officers and members of the public pack the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, making for an intensely emotional tribute to the fallen officer.

Glenn Russell, himself a retired Toronto police officer who spent 32 years in the force, said his family experienced a “great sense of pride” after seeing the turnout for his son’s funeral. He also thanked the many officers, firefighters, emergency services and border security personnel who turned up Tuesday to pay their respects.

“To all the members of the Toronto Police Service, in particular the men and women of the Guns and Gangs Unit and A platoon at 52 division,” he said. “Ryan and I spoke often how proud he was to serve with you all, and how he enjoyed working with such a fine group of people.”

“To the Toronto Police Service executive, the Toronto Police Association, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. You stood with us shoulder to shoulder every step of the way. We were able to lean upon you when we faltered.”

Here is the full text of Glenn Russell’s statement:

Good Morning,

I am Glenn Russell, Sgt. Ryan Russell’s father. On behalf of Ryan’s mother Linda, his sister Tracy, and his wife Christine, we wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Toronto and surrounding area, for your outpouring of kind wishes and condolences.

To those of you who braved the winter weather — standing for hours at the funeral home, and along the streets as our motorcade passed by, we did see you through our tears. It was your good wishes that gave us strength to get through a most difficult time.

To members of police services across Canada and the United States, members of fire departments, border services and emergency service personnel, it is with a great sense of pride that we extend our gratitude for being there for us.

To all the members of the Toronto Police Service, in particular the men and women of the Guns and Gangs Unit and A Platoon at 52 Division, Ryan and I spoke often how proud he was to serve with you all, and how he enjoyed working with such a fine group of people.

To the Toronto Police Service executive, the Toronto Police Association, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. You stood with us shoulder-to-shoulder every step of the way. We were able to lean upon you when we faltered.

Finally, to Jerrett Funeral Home, you took such excellent care of Ryan for his final journey.

Christine, Linda and myself thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

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